Sweet Dreams

By Christine Young

For Cas Doyle finding the shifter of her dreams was a matter of life or death. She walked into the Red Neck Bar and Grill in Cactus Junction with a hope and a prayer he would be there and she would recognize him. What she needed was for him to take her home and take her virginity. Cas never thought to be a one-night stand. She had no choice.

Guy McKenna knew eventually he’d find his soul mate. He didn’t expect the reality to happen this night. When he saw her he knew. She was dressed provocatively, enticing him to an extreme he never felt before. What he didn’t know was if he could convince his protective family that Casidhe Doyle was indeed his soul mate.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rogue Phoenix Press
• Release date: Oct 24, 2020
• ISBN: 9781624205941

Book preview

Sweet Dreams

Book six in the McKenna Clan Series

Christine Young

Published by Rogue Phoenix Press, LLP for Smashwords

Copyright © 2020

ISBN: 978-1-62420-594-1

Electronic rights reserved by Rogue Phoenix Press, LLP. The reproduction or other use of any part of this publication without the prior written consent of the rights holder is an infringement of the copyright law. This is a work of fiction. People and locations, even those with real names, have been fictionalized for the purposes of this story.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter One

Cactus Junction

Guy McKenna negligently leaned against the bar in the Red Neck Bar and Grill, a beer in hand, watching the line dancing. He was bored and tired of waiting for something he didn’t think would ever come his way. In the pub the air was stagnant and the music boisterous. He relished the noise as well as the crowds that filled the small bar on Saturday nights. It took his mind away from the fact he was nearing twenty-seven and he still had not found his mate. His brothers and sisters were happy, content in their lives with children.

After returning from Iraq, he needed the familiar sights and sounds. So much that happened over there had been out of his control and the night visions terrified him, would cause him to wake in a cold sweat. They were nightmares that taunted him mocking his very existence.

Now his dreams and visions changed.

Needing to forget the dreams haunting him night after night for the last month, he stayed at the bar when he would have usually gone home. His soul mate permeated his thoughts but he’d never seen her, didn’t know where to find her, certainly not in the Red Neck Saloon in Cactus Junction. He supposed stranger things could happen. When he closed his eyes at night, falling into a deep sleep, her face was central to the entire dream. The sight of her was etched in his head, seared through all eternity.

If he saw her, he would know her.

He watched a young couple kissing in the corner of the bar, the young man’s hands roaming in too many places they shouldn’t. He shrugged to himself, knowing if the opportunity with his soul mate presented itself, he’d be doing the same, but in private. Tempted to tell them to get a room, he kept his words behind his teeth. He wasn’t about to share his mate with anyone. Second thoughts assailing him, he almost walked over to the couple to tell them there were rooms upstairs they could rent for the night or a few hours.

The McKennas were too well known in this state to let anyone see them share intimacies with a soul mate or any woman for that matter. The gossip would spread quicker than a man could blink. He had his share of women over his lifetime. He needed to move on and find meaning in this world. His siblings had found their mates. Now it was his turn, but where was she?

Well hell, if not in Cactus Junction, where then?

His beer glass drained he turned at the bar, taking his gaze from the doorway for only a moment to request a second beer. Dipping his hand in the bowl of peanuts, he was surprised by the sensation scurrying down his spine. The hair on the back of his neck prickled, stood on end. A fine sheen of sweat formed on his forehead. Unnerved, unsettled, excited for something. He knew not what.

The soft fresh scent of oranges waffled through the air. For a moment he couldn’t think, couldn’t breathe. When the moment finally passed, he sucked in a huge draft of air.

What are you drinking, cowboy?

Her body pressed against his, luscious curves that would fill his hands seemed to be the focus of all the sensations coursing through him, a primal heat filling his soul. He was afraid to look at her, terrified he might do something incredibly foolish. A one-night stand was not something he wanted.

This was different.

The lady’s voice was a sultry purr sending his body quivering with need, titillating shock waves pulsing through him. A woman’s body let alone the sound of her voice had never affected him like this. He paused a moment as tension mounted, radiated through him from toes to head, stopping momentarily in his groin. Slowly, he turned to look at the face possessing the amazing voice and the full curves he wanted to wrap his hands around. His breath stopped for a few seconds at the vision smiling at him. He was staring into the face he had dreamed of.

His mate.

His woman for life and into all eternity. His mouth went dry while his gut churned in anticipation.

He cleared his throat, but his words still came out in a feeble croak, nothing like his normal husky timber. Beer. The bartender handed him the bottle he asked for earlier.

Pinot Gris, she told the bartender, leaning casually on the bar. Half turned toward him, her body was as sultry as her voice. The blouse she wore was unbuttoned so far down he could see the lace of her bra. It was tucked into a tight-fitting pair of short shorts. She didn’t seem to care she was half dressed while he was lusting after her. He could barely keep his tongue in his mouth as well as keep himself from drooling.

Drinks on me, he told her then nodded to the bartender. Keep them coming. I think we’re going to be here for a little while.

Long enough so he could ask her to come home with him tonight or find out where she lived. He couldn’t let this one go without getting vital information.

Yes, sir, Mr. McKenna, the man said. Let me know if you need anything else. Obviously, drinks are on the house.

She held the glass by the stem and leisurely sipped seeming to keep her gaze on him. Thank you, she murmured, licking her lips while she slowly twirled the contents of the glass, her eyes seeming to be focused on the liquid, no longer on him. He meant to change that, needing her full attention. Nothing less would do.

What brings you to Cactus Junction? he asked politely, intending to know everything about this lady.

Besides the basics such as what’s your name, this seemed the simplest place to start.

She looked at the bar, her long blond hair falling in front of her face. When she looked up, Guess one could say I’m looking for something and I’m running from something.

She pushed the hair behind her ears, her blouse parting provocatively with the gesture. The soft swell of her breasts was oh so noticeable.

Unable to keep his eyes from the view she presented, he decided not to try. If she was showing, he was looking. He wanted to reach out and touch the strands just to see how soft they were.

A riddle? he asked, Would you like to find a table?

Preferably a table in a dark corner where no one would see them.

She was shaking her head, lips smushed together provocatively her soft lips parting slightly. No riddle, just the truth. She offered a tiny smile and slight shrug of slim shoulders. And yes, a table would be nice. I don’t usually talk to strangers, she mumbled, staring into her glass before turning her attention to his mouth. For some reason I find odd, you don’t seem to be a stranger.

He wasn’t a stranger. He needed to tell her the truth but understood she’d have to figure it all out for herself. Follow me. He leaned forward then waved his hand at the bartender, Have Jan bring us some fries.

To the lady who had yet to introduce herself, guess he hadn’t introduced himself either, You hungry.

I could eat a few fries, she admitted as she followed him, her smile a bit hesitant. As long as we’ve ketchup.

At the table, he held out his hand in greeting, I’m Guy McKenna.

He paused waiting for her to reciprocate. He was acting like a love-struck fool, knew it. Didn’t care.

No names between us is so much easier. However, if you insist, I’m Cas Doyle.

Irish, I see.

Scottish? she asked.

Her elbows rested on the table while her fists were under her chin seeming to hold it up.

The fries arrived while they stared at each other. Guy, for the first time since he could remember, was tongue-tied. He thought when he met his mate none of this first date stuff would be happening. This wasn’t even a first date.

Okay... he paused, Yes, Scottish once, now American. I could tell you the story of my clan, but it would probably bore you to tears.

You really don’t have to make idle conversation. I like you and if you must know, I think silence, she paused, staring at him with her summer sky blue eyes, is refreshing.

Her glass of pinot was almost empty so he ordered a second. Sometimes silence was refreshing, but he needed to know more about her. Everything about her, he amended. If he had to close the bar with her tonight to learn a few things, he would. He wanted the answers to the riddle she inadvertently challenged him with. Where do you live?

She shrugged her delicately slim shoulders again before smiling at him. Here and there. Mostly there. Never stayed in one place very long. I’d like that to change though.

That’s mighty vague, he told her, looking for something more relevant. If she was running from someone or something, the more he knew the easier it would be to find her if she left here without a word. That thought sent a cold chill down his spine in the heated atmosphere and called him back to the very reality they were just meeting. He had no hold over her.

I’m guessing you live here, in Cactus Junction.

She reached out to touch his hand, effectively changing the subject from her to him.

The sensation sent a jolt of sexual longing straight to his groin. He wanted to pull that beautiful hand to his mouth and kiss her fingers, suck them into his mouth but realized prudently it was too soon. Scaring her away was not a good ploy, not when he had so much at stake. Just down the road then off it to the right. Can’t get to my house unless you walk or ride a horse. Well, a Harley would get you there too.

See, you like your privacy and perhaps silence also. We are much the same in that, she told him while she held her glass of wine to her lips, her blue eyes shining provocatively above the rim. I don’t get along well with very many people. I’m a bit of a recluse I’ve been told, but I like you.

The second glass arrived. The waiter took the first away. Guy wondered how many he should let her drink or if she would stop herself. He did mean to take her home tonight if she was agreeable. He really wasn’t a drink 'em up take 'em home kind of guy. Yet that was exactly what he was doing.

For the greater good, he told himself.

He had an excuse or better, a reason. She was, after all his soul mate. She would be willing without too much to drink. Maybe not tonight. He wanted her tonight.

I like my privacy but I wouldn’t call myself a recluse, he agreed, his voice soft. Only because I haven’t found anyone to share my home with. Perhaps if I do find someone, I’ll build a road to my house. Wouldn’t want my special person to get lost trying to find her way home.

Me too, she said, moistening her lips, her small pink tongue sweeping erotically across her bottom lip, like privacy and my laptop more than people.

He wondered if she knew how provocative that tiny gesture was. Anything she did would arouse him he admitted. Absolutely anything. So, you come from here and there. Where was the last place you called home? he asked, needing to back up to the first question which wasn’t actually the first question. Eventually, he’d find out what she was running from.

I was in graduate school. Stanford. She pursed her lips then finished the glass of wine. So, she tapped her fingers on the base of the glass, I guess you could call that the last place I called home.

He ordered both of them another. Clearly distraught, it seemed she didn’t want to open up to him. Yet he craved knowledge about her.

You left. Why? He drummed his fingers on the table, waiting for a response, impatient yet trying to understand her hesitancy because they didn’t know each other. I guess that’s none of my business.

You’re right, it’s not but I don’t think you’ll hurt me. I feel safe with you and I don’t understand the reasons. Don’t feel that way around men very often. Don’t talk to men. Another glass of wine was set in front of her. She stared at it for a moment before looking to him again. Are you trying to get me drunk? I should slow down.

No and whatever you want.

Her dark sooty lashes lowered making a perfect arch across her high delicate cheekbones then, I guess it is up to me to say no.

Lord, but he didn’t want her to say no to anything. What were you studying?

Perhaps that would be an easier question and might give him some insight into his recalcitrant soul mate. She obviously felt some attraction for him. Unfortunately, she didn’t appear to understand exactly just how potent and raw that magnetism was between them.

Paranormal abnormalities in the southwest. There have been plausible sightings, you know, shapeshifters, mostly big cats but there was a wolf sighting a few years ago. I left my studies because something terrified me. I started running but whatever it was it followed me. For some reason I ended up here.

His heart caught in his throat. He wasn’t sure where to go with this information but knew she wasn’t telling him the entire story. Do you think shapeshifters exist?

Slowly, he sipped keeping his gaze focused on her over the rim of the glass.

She smiled at him again. This smile was somehow different. One perfect eyebrow rose a fraction. Then, I know they exist. I know something else too.

He finished his beer before ordering another round for both of them. After minutes of thought, How? How do you know something so strange or is it just speculation?

She shrugged those delicate shoulders again, ones he wanted to kiss from one side to the other, Just my gut. No, actually I’ve seen one, a coal black jaguar shapeshifter in my dreams. I’ve seen all of him except his face. I’ve seen him take his clothes off and shift then in another dream I’ve seen him change from the jaguar back to a human.

Cas had seen him... naked. Or had she seen one of his brothers or sisters? No, he was sure she was speaking about him.

She said him. What do you mean? he asked, suddenly feeling out of his element and a bit at a disadvantage.

She’d seen him naked and... strangely he didn’t feel at all violated. He had this unthinkable need to ask her if she liked what she saw. He drew in a slow breath of air while he thought about all she told him.

I think I’ve had a bit too much to drink. She finished the glass in front of her then changing the subject, Should be getting back to my room before I fall asleep right here.

At the hotel? he asked, I’ll walk you back, unless you’d like to come home with me.

Where did that come from? He didn’t want her to think all he wanted from her was a one nightstand when he craved a lifetime. If she was truly running from something dangerous though, he wasn’t about to leave her alone and unprotected in the hotel. If she refused to come home with him, he’d stand guard outside her room.

Or inside, female permitting.

You said, she paused, a person had to walk. Don’t know if I can make it that far in these shoes. Cas looked at her feet before she let him help her to stand then leaned on him. I’m feeling a wee bit tipsy. I think I drank too much. Her words began to slur a bit.

She was adorable, endearing.

You don’t have to walk. I rode my horse. He chuckled thinking of holding his mate in his arms while riding the big stallion, taking her home, to what would be their home soon, he hoped.

You’re not going to walk. She wrapped an arm around him, steadying herself. Should I tell you now or later that I don’t know how to ride a horse? Terrified of them. I could fly... she gasped, putting a hand over her mouth, her eyes wide as saucers.

He stared at her a moment trying to understand then chocked it up as too much wine. Neither of us is going to walk. We’re both riding my horse. Come on, I’ll show you. His eagerness came through all too clear, but she didn’t seem to notice.

A few minutes later they stood in front of his horse. Name’s Sam. He always sees me home even when I’ve had a few too many. Knows his way with his eyes closed. Don’t even have to use the reins. He’s as gentle as a kitten.

She stepped back a few feet, her hands outstretched as if she warded him off. Repeating an earlier statement, Don’t know how to ride a horse. Never been this close to one either. How the devil am I going to stay on? How am I going to get on?

Easy enough, I’ll ride the horse and you can sit on my lap. I’ll make sure nothing happens to you. I promise. You can trust me.

He almost said and you can ride me but stopped himself just in time. He might explore with his hands, just a little. The last thing he wanted was to send her running away from him before they even got to know each other. He didn’t want to be the one she was running and hiding from.

How do we accomplish this? Her words slurred even more now. She wavered slightly, her hands reaching out to grab him for support. I doubt if I can mount that thing.

I’ll mount Sam. You can give me your hand then I’ll pull you onto my lap, he said as he proceeded to do just that.

Don’t know... She was backing away from him, her head tilted slightly, her eyes squinting as if she tried to see what was in front of her.

You can do it. Besides, I know you don’t want to stay at the hotel by yourself. Whatever you’re running from might find you there. He watched her face pale while she swallowed hard.

I never thought of that.

A few minutes later, Cas sat on his lap, her body trembling as he slowly let Sam take the lead. He held onto her, praying something wouldn’t spook her or his horse. He was sure he just died and was in heaven. Her feminine curves fit soundly against the hard planes of his body.

You have to trust me, he told her, his whisper close to her ear. He lightly touched the lobe with his tongue, felt the tiny shiver of desire. I’m not going to let anything happen to you. I’ve got you. All you have to do is relax.

So you say, she murmured softly, leaning against him doing as he asked. I wish...

Do you trust me? he asked, hoping she’d say yes, his hands running up then down her arms.

I want to, again a whisper.

He began to chant a song his great grandfather, an Apache medicine man, taught him when he was a child. The chant always soothed his nerves when he was upset or frightened as a child as well as during the skirmishes, the endless nightmare he lived in Iraq. He felt Cas slowly relax into his body. She could be falling asleep she had so much wine, but her body didn’t relax totally. Her hand rested on his forearm. He felt the curve of one breast push against his chest.

This was good. It was all so very good. He would find out more about her when the time was right.

A full moon appeared in the sky just as he reached his home. A slight breeze cooled the hot summer air. His house was built in a small grove of trees, some he planted years ago, some more recently. In times of draught, he had to haul water yet they survived just as his clan survived, lived and prospered in these barren lands.

He bent close to her ear and whispered. For a moment he was tempted to touch the shell of her ear with his tongue but held back. He wanted her to be the aggressor this first time with her, We’re here.

She placed her hand on his chest, her fingers kneading his skin through his shirt. I think we’ve stopped. Told you Sam knew his way home.

Umm...

I’ll let you down. All you have to do is land on your feet. Do you think you can do that?

Maybe. I’m like a cat. I always land on my feet.

Her words sent a shiver down his spine. Like a cat. Here you go. There’s a bale of hay beneath your feet so you don’t have so far to go. Be careful. Don’t fall.

She slid through his arms and while she didn’t exactly land on her feet, she didn’t fall either. Looking up at him, she sat on top the bale of hay, smiling. I’m okay.

He dismounted. I have to take care of Sam. You wait here and I’ll be back in a few minutes then we can go to the house.

I’ll just lie down here. Wake me up when you’re done. She curled into a ball, her hands beneath her cheeks.

Once again Guy felt as if he died and was in heaven. Her long blond hair splayed around her. Her breasts peeked out from the half-unbuttoned shirt she wore and the tiny short shorts barely covered her butt. He was tempted to trace the swell of her cheeks with a fingertip but shook the impulse away. If she agreed, there’d be plenty of time to explore her, when she wasn’t drunk and asleep.

Later, Cas, wake up. I’m done with Sam. I need to put you to bed where it’s more comfortable.

I have to pee, she said as she sat up and pulled straw from her hair, blinking.

In the house. Can you walk? he asked as she tried to push herself from the bale only to fall back down.

Of course, I...

He didn’t wait for an answer but scooped her into his arms, striding to the house. Inside the bathroom he set her down before backing out and closing the door behind him. Call me if you need me. He leaned against the wall by the bathroom door, his breathing strained as he thought about the woman he discovered this evening.

Seconds seemed to turn to minutes, Guy?

He peaked his head through the door. Cas was standing and she looked so damned adorable with her shorts around her hips and unzipped. You need help.

She closed her eyes. I need something to drink. Can’t seem to swallow. Throat’s so dry.

She didn’t mention the fact she was half dressed. I can do that. Water?

Yes.

Would you like me to help you with your shorts?

Yes.

Never quite having been in a situation of this nature, he wasn’t sure how to proceed. He’d removed clothing before but never fastened them. Right now, at this second, he had no idea...

With caution, he told himself as he slowly touched the zipper as well as the silken flesh of her lower abdomen. He held his breath as he zipped the shorts and snapped them shut.

Would you like to go outside? I’ve a fireplace and we can watch the stars. He loved lying by the fireplace gazing skyward to star watch. It would be even better with Cas beside him, in his arms. He didn’t care if they fell asleep without having sex. Knew he wanted her cradled next to him, needed to feel her warmth.

I think so. My little nap on the hay bale woke me up. She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth, her grin hesitant but there nonetheless. Another glass of wine maybe?

He sighed softly, wondering just how much control he had but he couldn’t deny her. Anything you want.

Her long legs, naked legs, except for the tiny bit of fabric covering her butt called to him. He never thought of himself as a leg man, was always infatuated by a woman’s eyes. This was his mate, perhaps that was why things seemed so different.

In the kitchen, he grabbed a bottle of white Bordeaux he had shipped over from France one year, as well as a couple of glasses. "Do you want any food? If you do, grab a bag of chips over there, he nodded.

Chips and fries, she murmured seeming to wake up a tiny bit more. Great diet.

Outside he lit the fire, setting the glasses and wine on a nearby table. She sat down on a huge lounging couch and poured the wine. The bag of chips she pulled onto her lap while she made herself comfortable. Junk food, my favorite kind.

They settled on the couch, watching the fire then the sky. Her body next to his was an aphrodisiac calling to him. These sensations were new to him and he wanted to savor every moment.

How did you end up in Cactus Junction? I'm just curious. You told me you were running and hiding from something or someone.

If she would let him, he would protect her.

Besides the ones about the shifter I also had dreams that seemed to lead me here, she said, closing her eyes. I don’t know why but I’m sure it was you I saw... She stopped abruptly, her hand covering her mouth.

Once again, he wanted to ask if she liked what she saw but didn’t want to embarrass her further. He ignored her statement. I’d like to learn more about your dreams and the shifter you saw.

"What about you? You’ve lived here all your life. Why would your family settle